Ross County defender Jack Baldwin is confident Premiership rewards are starting to come to Dingwall for progress made under manager Malky Mackay
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Jack Baldwin is convinced the journey has only just begun for Ross County as the Malky Mackay revolution begins to yield results.
The vastly-experienced English defender – seen as a natural leader by Mackay and stand-in captain when Keith Watson is benched – admits the initial transition under Stuart Kettlewell’s permanent replacement was difficult.
John Hughes’ departure from his temporary role sparked huge squad upheaval and Mackay then took time to carefully replenish the ranks through July and August.
Early progress and continuity was also hit by a mass Covid-19 outbreak that knocked 10 days out of pre-season and killed off the club’s League Cup group campaign.
In the aftermath, County battled an unforgiving opening set of fixtures against most of the Premiership’s European contenders.
They then turned in some promising but flawed performances against the league’s so-called lesser lights, with the uncomfortable wait for a league victory stretching to 10 matches.
It took faith and perseverance in and around Victoria Park to avoid pressing the panic button as autumn set in, but the reward came spectacularly on October 27 as County thrashed hosts Dundee 5–0 at Dens Park.
Mackay’s side now seems to be stamping out previously recurrent errors and lapses, although the opener against Dundee United on Saturday was a reminder that hard work remains.
Baldwin, the former Sunderland and Bristol Rovers centre half, acknowledges as much but feels solid foundations are being laid through Mackay’s managerial ethos and expertise.
Seven points from four games precede tonight’s away tussle with St Mirren and Baldwin stressed: “At the start of the season, there were a lot of new bodies through the door and some, myself included, joined the group pretty late.
“We’d have been surprised if everything clicked in week one, but we have a great group of lads, we really do.
“We have young lads eager to learn and experienced lads eager to help out. The older lads are sharing the knowledge they have.
“We’re all willing each other on and we’re all keen to learn and get better for each other and for the club.
“The last few weeks have shown we’re really growing together as a team and squad.
“It is still early in the season with a lot of football to be played, but we’re stringing some decent results together now. There’s a bit of momentum for us and we are definitely on an upward trajectory.”
